As part of a programme to encourage children to read more books, the primary school of the village Avgeniki invited columnist and author Maria Daskalaki to discuss her recently published book, The Secret of Aspasia, with the children.

The kids had been given a copy of her book, which deals with historic events on Crete, to read prior to Maria's visit, and were told they could discuss the story and ask questions of the author.

"They told me that it is easier to learn history through a novel, than as a lesson in school," Maria said after the session. "I really think they gained something. They were very interested . . . quiet, no noise, no chatting between them."

In addition to being an author, Maria writes the popular column, The Other Side, for The Khronicles.